Although
there is no talk about an increase (or penalty) in fuel efficiency by
using the the fuel, it appears to be more of a policy decision with
regards to stepping up the use of alternative fuels in the Navy's
fleet.

"Going
green is about combat capability and assuring Navy's mobility,"
said Rear Adm. Philip Cullom, director of the Chief of Naval
Operations Energy and Environmental Readiness Division. "It is
not just about natural security; it also strengthens national
security. By having reliable and abundant alternate sources of
energy, we will no longer be held hostage by any one source of
energy, such as petroleum.”

As
with all new and experimental technology, the price to use such fuel
in this prototype vehicle is astronomical. And when we say
astronomical, we mean it -- the
Marine
Corps Times
reports
that the Navy bought 20,055 gallons of algae-based biodiesel at a
jaw-dropping cost of $424 per gallon.

According
to Wired,
the Navy uses 80,000 barrels of oil per day to fuel its ships and
wishes to cut that number in half within a decade through the use of
biofuels and nuclear power.

"First
and foremost, energy conservation extends tactical range of our
forces while also preserving precious resources," Cullom added.
"Our goal, as a Navy, is to be an 'early adopter' of new
technologies that enhance national security in an environmentally
sustainable way."